City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session December 18, 2019 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, 5:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Linda T. Johnson, Mayor, presiding Leroy Bennett, Vice Mayor Roger W. Fawcett Donald Z. Goldberg Timothy J. Johnson Curtis R. Milteer, Sr. Lue R. Ward, Jr. Patrick G. Roberts, City Manager Helivi L. Holland, City Attorney Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk ABSENT Michael D. Duman (excused) CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROGRAM UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Director Louis Hansen gave a report on the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett asked whether if it was feasible to offer curbside recycling only to those communities that wish to receive the service. Public Works Director Hansen replied that the issue may be one of the factors considered in the responses to the City’s request for proposals. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg asked about the ownership of existing blue recycling containers. City Manager Roberts said the City owns the blue recycling containers. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg opined about feedback from constituents, who would like to continue the recycling program. Public Works Director Hansen reiterated that the problem exists in the shrinking commodity markets that are available to accept recycled materials, which is an international issue and not related to the City’s willingness to continue the program. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Johnson asked about the future use for the blue recycling bins. City Manager Roberts advised the containers would remain with the residents, and, if recycling no longer exists, the cans would be treated as normal refuse containers. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Johnson inquired about recycling in other localities in the region. City Manager Roberts explained that other localities are in a holding pattern until Suffolk makes a decision about recycling. 1 City Council Work Session December 18, 2019 TRANSIT STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Director Hansen supplied a summary on the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett requested clarification about the blue route. Public Works Director Hansen said that the blue route is just a naming convention for the section that splits from the orange route. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg asked about the feasibility of installing shelters at the bus stops. Public Works Director Hansen explained that shelters are included in the Capital Improvement Plan for those stops that have enough area for such structures. He further explained that the stops with high ridership and greatest density are also prioritized. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett opined about the feasibility of offering a route to Smithfield. Public Works Director Hansen said a possible Smithfield route is an option that can be considered, should it meet the plan’s criteria. CLOSED MEETING City Clerk Dawley presented the Closed Meeting motion for City Council’s consideration: 1. Pursuant to Virginia Code Sections 2.2-3711(A)(8) and (A)(1), the consultation with legal counsel employed by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the legal advice of such counsel, and the discussion, consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for appointment and the assignment, appointment, and performance of specific public officers or appointees of the City, specifically the appointments as shown on the attached list for vacancies or term expirations for Agricultural Advisory Committee, Early Childhood Development Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Tidewater Youth Services Commission and Wetlands Board; and Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Goldberg, moved that City Council convene in a closed meeting for the above referenced purpose, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 7 NAYS: None 0 (Council Member Duman was excused.) City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 5:42 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:51 p.m. Teste: _____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: MARCH 4, 2020 2